The Meazza big match ends 0-0. A crossbar struck by Saelemaekers shakes the Rossoneri, Juve score through Thuram but it’s ruled offside. Allegri and Spalletti cancel each other out: standings unchanged and very few sparks.
MILAN – It was supposed to be the night of the overtake or the breakaway, but it turned out to be the night of yawns. Milan and Juventus share the spoils in a match that was “Big” in name and physical intensity only, but left much to be desired technically. A 0-0 that perfectly captures a deadlocked encounter, where the fear of losing prevailed over the desire to dare.
THE LINE-UPS: ALLEGRI WITH 3-5-2, SPALLETTI BACKS DAVID
Surprises in the starting line-ups. Allegri opts for a 3-5-2 with the heavy striking pair of Leao and Pulisic up front and the return of Saelemaekers on the wing. In midfield, the weight of experience rests entirely on the shoulders of Modric and former Juve man Rabiot. On the other side, Luciano Spalletti responds with a muscular 3-4-2-1: Jonathan David is the focal point, supported by the flair of Conceicao and the pace of Boga, preferred to Yildiz.
FIRST HALF: CHESS MATCH AND TENSION
The first half is a game of chess. Milan tries to play direct early on with Gabbia feeding Pulisic, but Juve stay compact and offer no space. The tempo is low, broken only by the tactical fouls of Locatelli playing the role of a “dam” against Leao and Rabiot. On 20′, the first yellow card goes to Cambiaso, forced to hold back a slippery Saelemaekers.
The first real flash of quality arrives only on 23′ through Fofana, who bursts down the right but hits the outside of the net. Juve respond in waves: on 36′ the Meazza holds its breath for a Thuram goal, but the Bianconeri’s roar is cut short by the assistant referee’s flag for Sozza‘s side: offside. Before the break, Conceicao tries to trouble Maignan with a couple of central efforts, but the French goalkeeper stands firm.
SECOND HALF: THE WOODWORK SAVES DI GREGORIO
Allegri tries to shuffle the deck by immediately introducing Estupinan for the booked Bartesaghi. On 50′ comes the chance that could have changed the match’s story: Leao creates for Saelemaekers, the Belgian fires first time with conviction but the ball crashes thunderously off the crossbar.
It is the Rossoneri’s only genuine chance. Spalletti sees his side struggling and responds with substitutions: on come Holm, Koopmeiners and then Yildiz, while Allegri plays the Fullkrug card to replace a muted Pulisic. The match degenerates into a midfield battle, with hard aerial duels (such as the clash between Modric and Locatelli that requires medical attention) and precious few ideas.
STALEMATE TO THE FINISH
In the final ten minutes, a flurry of substitutions (including Nkunku and Vlahovic) fails to tip the balance. Milan attempt a disorganised late push, Juve defend in good order and try to hit on the counter, but without ever truly threatening. A Vlahovic offside on 93′ is the final act of a contest that had no desire for a winner.
For Allegri and Spalletti, one point that keeps their standings ticking over, but warms no hearts. The title race remains open, but for entertainment, we’ll have to look elsewhere.
MATCH REPORT
MILAN-JUVENTUS 0-0
MILAN (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana (67′ Ricci), Modric (80′ Jashari), Rabiot, Bartesaghi (46′ Estupinan); Leao (80′ Nkunku), Pulisic (62′ Fullkrug). Manager: Allegri.
JUVENTUS (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly; McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram (71′ Koopmeiners), Cambiaso (70′ Holm); Conceicao, Boga (80′ Yildiz); David (87′ Vlahovic). Manager: Spalletti.
Referee: Sozza (Seregno).
Notes: Bookings: Cambiaso (J), Bartesaghi (M), Locatelli (J). Added time: 1′ first half, 3′ second half.
